SEATTLE – King County officials are urging residents to use extra caution on rivers this summer, warning that historic flooding in December altered waterways across the region and may have created new, hidden drowning hazards.
Officials said widespread flooding moved logs, rocks, and other debris into rivers throughout King County, creating risks that may not be visible above the surface. They said historically high flows also shifted riverbeds, changing familiar swimming and boating areas by creating deeper or shallower pools that can be dangerous for swimmers, tubers, boaters, and kayakers.
Officials also warned that Lake Washington and Puget Sound can remain dangerously cold even when air temperatures are warm.
“One of many ways we keep people in King County safe is by promoting open water safety to prevent drowning deaths,” King County Executive Girmay Zahilay said. “The most important message from our experts this summer is to be aware of potential new drowning hazards following the December flooding. While it’s always important to be cautious when swimming, tubing, or kayaking on rivers, it’s even more important this season.”
Mo McBroom, interim director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, said familiar river spots may not be the same after the flooding.
“We’re fortunate to have spectacular wild rivers in King County, but they can be deceptively dangerous during summer,” McBroom said. “If you go to the same river corridor you’ve gone to in previous summers, be aware that there could be new drowning hazards that aren’t visible above water. When in doubt, stay out.”
Officials said drowning fatalities have remained elevated for seven consecutive years, including 25 preventable drowning deaths in 2025. The county recorded 16 fatal drownings in 2018 and a high of 33 deaths in 2020, a year officials said was marked by early-season 100-degree days and the absence of lifeguarded beaches or pools.
Researchers at Public Health – Seattle & King County have categorized the locations of fatal drownings in recent years, with about 40% occurring in Seattle, 30% in north and east King County, and 30% in south King County.
Officials said nearly 30% of the 74 preventable drowning deaths in open water occurred in Lake Washington, while 11% occurred in Puget Sound. Two rivers – the Green River and the Snoqualmie River – accounted for 17% of preventable drownings.
“River water in our area can remain dangerously cold throughout the summer, causing even experienced swimmers to experience muscle failure within seconds,” said Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, health officer and acting director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Swim at lifeguarded beaches and pools, wear a life jacket when on the water, and always designate an adult to watch children in or near the water. Now is the perfect time to make use of community pools to learn to swim. These steps can prevent heartbreak and help everyone enjoy the water safely.”
The King County Sheriff’s Office Marine Rescue Dive Unit, which handles water-related law enforcement, investigations, rescues, and recovery, also urged people to take precautions, noting the size of the county and the number of waterways.
“We have an extremely well-trained Marine Dive & Rescue Unit that is well equipped and able to get onto most waterways in King County,” said Sgt. Rich Barton, who oversees the Marine Unit. “However, King County is quite large with hundreds of lakes and rivers, so the team urges people to wear lifejackets and to be as prepared as possible during this extremely busy time of the year.”
Officials shared several safety tips for open-water recreation this summer, including wearing a life jacket; avoiding alcohol or drugs near open water; telling someone where you plan to enter and exit a river; and using “Reach, throw, don’t go” to assist others in a river. They also recommended designating an adult to watch children near water at all times and avoiding open water when conditions appear risky.
Officials said safer options include public pools monitored by lifeguards, and noted that information about public pools and free or low-cost swim lessons is available through King County Parks’ Weyerhaeuser Aquatic Center in Federal Way and Seattle Parks & Recreation. They said the King County Parks Levy helps fund access to aquatic centers operated by cities and school districts.
“For many people in our region, spending time on the water is a Northwest summer tradition,” said Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson. “Unincorporated King County is home to some of the most beautiful lakes and rivers anywhere, and we want people to be able to enjoy them safely. But the flooding we experienced this past year was unlike anything we’ve seen in recent memory and created new and sometimes hidden hazards in our waterways. Whether you’ve been recreating on these waters for years or are heading out for the first time, we encourage everyone to stay informe…
ट्विटर पर साझा करें: King County urges caution on rivers after December flooding creates new drowning hazards
